module specification

PR3051 - Biochemistry (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Biochemistry
Module level Foundation (03)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
20 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
94 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
In-Course Test 70%   In-class test -60 mins. A mixture of multiple choice and fill in the gap questions.
Coursework 30%   Presentations (7mins) on structure and function of macromolecules- carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

This module introduces you to key biochemical concepts to provide a foundation for subsequent study in the Biosciences and Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science subject areas at Level 4.

The aim of the module is to give students the necessary background to appreciate the structure and function of the key molecules that cells are made of such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates as well as the role of biological catalysts, enzymes in the biological systems. DNA transcription and translation will also me covered and the module will finish with an introduction to the key molecules of the immune system. It will aim to give a better understanding of the ground rules of metabolism in order for students to appreciate the production ATP as the main energy currency in living organism.

Prior learning requirements

None. Available for Study Abroad? NO

Syllabus

An introductory study of the structure, properties and distribution of biomolecules: proteins: amino acids; peptide bonds; levels of protein structure; nucleic acids.  Enzyme function.  Carbohydrates: monosacchrides, sugar derivatives; glycosidic bond; oligo- and polysaccharides.  Lipids: classification of lipids, simple and complex, fatty acids and glycerides. Metabolism: photosynthesis and respiration, emphasis on oxidative phosphorylation. Immune system: key molecules: T cells, B cells and antibody production. Blood: key compositions.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter of this module will be promoted through lectures (20 hours), tutorials (16
hours), self-managed time and private study (125 hours). Lectures are used to introduce the basic concepts required to achieve the learning outcomes.  Tutorial sessions  are either problem-directed or discussion-based, designed to work through, and expand on, material delivered in lectures. Students will be expected to prepare for tutorial sessions by reviewing appropriate material and devoting sometime to problem-solving exercises.

The module is supported by a website on WebLearn which includes a number of electronic learning aids. Students would be expected to use the site for assisted study. 
All lectures will be recorded so that students can access them in their own time to consolidate their learning.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to:

  1. Understand the ground rules of metabolism to include a brief introduction to photosynthesis and an in-depth explanation of respiration with emphasis on the production of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
  2. Differentiate between the basic 'building blocks' of life; proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.
  3. Explain the role of enzymes and understand their importance in the central dogma of biology, transcription to translation- DNA, RNA to proteins.
  4. Distinguish between the key molecules of the immune system and how they are used to combat disease and infection.

Bibliography

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/lti/consumers/6F67F6EA-4754-9DB5-EB0D-936C4BA4CC74/resources/_42430_1rltalisunique2.html?context_title=PR3007+Biochemistry+-+Year+2020-21&custom_node_code_regex=%2F%28%5CS+%29%28.%2A%29%2F&roles=urn%3Alti%3Arole%3Aims%2Flis%2FInstructor&resource_link_id=_42430_1rltalisunique2&custom_node_code_replacement=%24%7B1%7D&custom_time_period_regex=%5E%28.%2A%29%28%5B0-9%5D%7B4%7D-%5B0-9%5D%7B2%7D%29%28.%2A%29&custom_time_period_replacement=%24%7B2%7D&oauth_consumer_key=6F67F6EA-4754-9DB5-EB0D-936C4BA4CC74&context_id=cc8b1fb2d2d94e558cd86ecaca289ba2&context_label=PR3007_2020-21_YEAR&embehttps://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/B843EA0C-2CA5-E94F-1CEF-53666415FC4D.html?lang=en-GB